The Australian Christian Lobby today called for abortion law reform after a bill banning abortion beyond 5 months’ gestation was passed by the US House of Representatives.

The H.R.1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act requires doctors to determine the age of the unborn child and prohibits abortion after 20 weeks gestation.

ACL spokeswoman Wendy Francis said abortion was a bad option for a woman with an unsupported pregnancy and prospect of their unborn baby feeling pain would be abhorrent to most women.

“Victoria and Tasmania allow up to full-term abortion on demand,” Mrs Francis said, “This is a practice only available in 5 countries out of 195 where the procedure is allowed.

“Australia can do a better job of providing real choices for women who find themselves with an unsupported pregnancy,” Ms Francis said.

Ms Francis said all Australian taxpayers assist late term abortion practices through their Medicare levy.

“ACL calls on Australia lawmakers to look at the example being set by the US House of Representatives. Continuing the practice of inflicting pain on unborn babies must stop and it is certainly something Australian taxpayers should not be subsidising.”